Hope for Melissa

(Melissa and her daughter in 2007)

My name is Jess and I have a fabulous friend named Melissa.  Over the years, Melissa has been a source of support, hope, and love for me and others no matter what she has had going on in her life.  I have always been able to count on her empathy and understanding.  She is an amazing mother, friend, advocate, and human.

Melissa was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago and underwent many surgeries and treatments.  She has also had lymph nodes removed, and most recently, a complete hysterectomy.  While now in remission, she still struggles with the effects of the treatments, surgeries, and medications.  She has chronic pain and Fibromyalgia.  She recently had to put off a surgery for her left sided mastectomy (needed to reduce local recurrence risk).

(During chemotherapy treatments)

Despite her own health issues, she has been a voice and advocate for breast cancer patients and survivors, including stage IV breast cancer patients.  She is also passionate about animals and human rights.

(Article featuring Melissa and her friend who are helping other survivors and patients)

Click here for video of Melissa participating in RidingBeyond.org program for patients and survivors

During the last year or two, Melissa has also met other challenges, including leaving an abusive marriage and her daughter being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and hypothyroidism.  Her daughter has also had hospital stays for her health issues, which can be difficult to manage at her age, and with additional stress to deal with.  She is the main provider for her daughter but she has been unable to work due to her ongoing health issues, treatments, and surgeries.

(Melissa's daughter M getting a visit from the Portland Trailblazers while in the hospital)

Today Melissa was told in eviction court that she and her daughter have two weeks to be out of their apartment.  Not only is coming up with the money a challenge when they have none and very few ways to make any, but the rental market is also tough where they live.  Melissa has been selling belongings and looking for other ways to come up with money, but that is not enough to get them into a new apartment or to cover day to day expenses.

This amazing woman really needs a break and some help.  She is so strong, brave, and compassionate and I am hoping we can all show HER some compassion as well.  What she needs right now is hope and help.

(Melissa in a commercial for a local breast cancer fundraiser)

I am hopeful that we can raise enough money so Melissa and her daughter can avoid homelessness.  They need to cover packing and moving expenses, first month rent and security deposit for a new apartment, and if they are unable to find somewhere immediately, they will need to pay for storage for their belongings.  It would be beyond amazing if we could also provide them a cushion to live on for a month or two so they don't have to worry about where the next month of rent, groceries, and bills are going to come from.



If you are unable to give, if you would consider sharing this post, I would be so grateful.  We all go through hard things in life, but this Momma has really had her share the last several years.  I know what it is like to reach the end of hope and feel like everything has been piled against me- and when that has happened, she has responded with compassion and care.  She is there now and I would love to see a little bit lifted off her shoulders and her heart.  Someone who has been such a light and source of comfort and support for others surely deserves to get some of that coming back her way. 

Thank you for your time and consideration!